We have travelled to 76 different countries and this was the best organized, well-planned and captivating trip that we have ever taken.
We spent 10 enchanting days in Sicily on an individualized, customized tour and then another 10 days on the dazzling, designed itinerary for small groups of Sardinia Off the Beaten Path. Each day was an enthralling, distinctive experience that we never wanted to end.
The hotels were first-rate. The locations were central to main attractions and activities. Some of the hotels had rooms or common areas with award-winning photogenic views. Rooms at each of the eight different hotels were very comfortable and remarkably quiet at night. All of them included breakfast with delicious and often an overwhelming number of choices. Service staff at the hotels, including front desk, porters, waiters, concierges, etc., were always very courteous and helpful.
The guides were always prompt, professional, personable and knowledgeable. We appreciated their grasp of history and culture and their eagerness to communicate with us in a very warm and relaxed way. We enjoyed their stories about their own experiences and their anecdotes about the areas we were touring. All the drivers were conscientious and excellent. Like the guides, they were likeable and keen to share their knowledge and local wisdom. In general, they were passionate about taking us off the beaten track to see spectacular viewpoints or special neighborhoods. Travel via the Mercedes vans was an unexpected luxury.
There were so many special and memorable moments it’s impossible to list them all. Everything about Ragusa, Siracusa, Taormina and Alghero. To mention a few specifics throughout the trip: the delectable street food, charming churches, incredible Valley of the Temples in Agrigento and mosaics at Villa Romana Del Casale. In Sardinia, the very unexpected splendor of the industrial sites including the Salt Pans at Conti Vecchi, and the old mines at Porto Flavio and Asproni where the owner gave us a very personal tour. The Barumini Nuraghe and Santa Cristina were both magical and mysterious.
John Z.
October 2025
